Reusable lint-catcher balls have a microfiber or sponge surface that grabs and holds hair and lint as clothes tumble. You add the ball to the wash load, and its textured surface collects debris throughout the cycle.
Many lint catchers are designed specifically for use in the washing machine. Some reusable discs and removers are also marketed for use in the dryer, and a few products are described as suitable for both washer and dryer use. Check the product details to confirm whether a particular model is intended for the washer, the dryer, or both.
Customer reviews report that washer lint discs and hair removers consistently collect a substantial amount of pet hair from laundry, though they typically do not remove every last hair. Effectiveness can vary by product and load composition.
Common in-washer lint-catcher types include reusable pet-hair or lint balls, mesh lint-catcher bags, and reusable washer/dryer hair removers (discs). All are designed to trap hair and lint while clothes move through the wash cycle.
Many lint catchers are described as reusable and durable—mesh bags and lint balls are often designed for repeated use. Because they can be reused many times, these items are positioned as an eco-friendly alternative that can reduce reliance on single-use lint removers.